Heart Disease - Prevention is better than cure

Dateline: 04/12/98

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Exercise has become fashionable in recent times. Fortunately, it is also healthy.

The considerable decrease in the incidence of heart disease in the last decade is attributable in great measure to the shift towards a more physically active lifestyle. Walking, cycling, jogging, aerobics and other forms of physical exercise have changed the profile of the urban dweller from one of a sedentary middle-aged couch-potato to a more outdoors-man type. And this has brought along with it some associated health benefits.

Goals for Physical Activity

The goal in primary prevention is to increase a person's amount of physical exercise, to a regular level of 30 minutes a day for 3 to 4 days every week, in the absence of any other limiting factors. It is important that the activity be regular and sustained, rather than a very energetic, but shortlived attempt at exercising.

The role of a Family Doctor

Primary care physicians have been strongly urged to ask about physical activity status and exercise habits as a part of their routine evaluation. If a patient is inactive, moderate intensity dynamic exercise is to be encouraged for 30 minute periods 3 to 4 times a week. Increased activity in daily life habits is also encouraged. Regular exercise can improve conditioning and optimize fitness levels.

For those patients who have other illnesses, handicaps or low functional capacity that might interfere with exercise, medically supervised programs are advised.

Next : Obesity and Heart Disease